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Explor Qatar

When to Visit Qatar: Weather, Festivals, Top Attractions & Travel Tips

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
When to Visit Qatar: Weather, Festivals, Top Attractions & Travel Tips
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The prime time to explore Qatar is between November and April. During these cooler months, temperatures typically range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), creating a lovely atmosphere for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The winter months—December through February—are particularly delightful, with average highs hovering between 20°C and 25°C. This milder climate is perfect for wandering through vibrant souqs, admiring desert landscapes, and enjoying Qatar's beautiful waterfront attractions.

In contrast, the summer months from May to September can be challenging due to extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and high humidity, especially in July and August. This is known as the off-season, which brings lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, outdoor activities are limited, leading most visitors to seek refuge in air-conditioned indoor attractions.

Festivals & Events

Qatar's cultural calendar is especially vibrant from November to March, aligning with the peak tourist season. Notable events for 2025 include:

January:

  • Qatar Kite Festival at Old Doha Port (Jan 16–18)
  • Shop Qatar shopping festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
  • Doha Marathon (Jan 17)
  • Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
  • Qatar International Art Festival (dates vary)

February:

  • Qatar International Food Festival (dates vary)
  • Doha International Book Fair (dates vary)
  • Qatar Tennis Open (ATP and WTA events)

March:

  • Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (dates vary)
  • Qatar International Film Festival (dates vary)

Spring:

  • Qatar National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February)

Autumn:

  • Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix (end of November)
  • FIFA Arab Cup (December)
  • Doha Film Institute Screenings (ongoing events)

Summer:

  • Qatar Summer Festival (June to August), featuring sales and family-friendly activities.
  • Art and Culture Exhibitions at museums and galleries.

Even in summer, Qatar offers unique indoor activities, including art exhibitions and special programs at museums and malls.

Must-See Tourist Attractions

  1. The Museum of Islamic Art: A stunning architectural masterpiece housing a vast collection of Islamic artifacts from around the world, set against the backdrop of the Doha Corniche.
  2. Souq Waqif: A traditional market where you can find spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It's a vibrant place for shopping and dining.
  3. Katara Cultural Village: A cultural hub featuring theaters, galleries, and restaurants, celebrating arts and culture with various events throughout the year.
  4. The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island known for luxury shopping, dining, and waterfront living, offering beautiful marina views.
  5. Qatar National Museum: An architectural marvel that tells Qatar's history and heritage through immersive exhibits and installations.
  6. Khor Al Adaid: Also known as the Inland Sea, this UNESCO recognized area features stunning sand dunes and is perfect for desert adventures like dune bashing and camel rides.
  7. Aspire Park: A large urban park ideal for picnics, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities, complete with a lake and beautiful landscaping.
  8. Doha Corniche: A picturesque waterfront promenade perfect for walks, cycling, and enjoying views of the Doha skyline.
  9. Villaggio Mall: A unique shopping experience with a Venetian theme, complete with canals and gondolas, featuring a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Al Zubara Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic fort offers insight into Qatar's past and is a great day trip from Doha.

Weather by Month

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Notes
January 22°C 14°C Coolest month, many outdoor events
March 26°C 17°C Start of warmer weather
May 37°C 25°C Heat begins to rise
July 41°C 30°C Peak heat and high humidity
October 35°C 24°C Heat eases, events start
November 29°C 21°C Ideal weather returns

Essential Travel Tips

  • Dress Code: Modesty is important—women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid shorts in public, especially near religious sites.

  • Cultural Respect: As a conservative Muslim country, it’s crucial to respect local customs, particularly during Ramadan when eating, drinking, or smoking in public is prohibited during daylight hours.

  • Transport: Getting around is easy with taxis, rideshares, and the Doha Metro system. The Corniche is perfect for evening strolls or bike rides.

  • Accommodation: Options range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is highly recommended during peak season.

Quick Tips for Every Season

  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Ideal for sightseeing, festivals, outdoor adventures, and camping.

  • Shoulder Months (Apr, May, Oct): Generally enjoyable, but be prepared for occasional heat and sandstorms.

  • Summer (Jun–Sep): Best for indoor attractions and bargains, but avoid outdoor activities during midday.

In summary, visiting Qatar from November to April offers the best weather and a rich array of festivals and events. With a unique blend of modern attractions and deep cultural traditions, there is something for every traveler year-round. Planning your visit around the weather will ensure you make the most of your trip!

IndiGo Surpasses Air India Group After Hiring 1,000 New Pilots in Two Years

Published: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
IndiGo Surpasses Air India Group After Hiring 1,000 New Pilots in Two Years
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IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has aggressively expanded its cockpit workforce by recruiting over 1,000 pilots in the past two years, bringing its total pilot strength to 5,456 by the end of FY25. This milestone surpasses the combined pilot count of Air India and Air India Express, which stands at 5,449, underscoring IndiGo’s dominant position in the Indian aviation sector.

This rapid increase in pilot numbers coincides with IndiGo’s substantial fleet growth, currently operating 434 aircraft, with over 920 more on order, including long-range Airbus A321XLRs and A350s to support its international ambitions. The accelerated hiring is a strategic move to maintain operational reliability in the face of soaring passenger demand and an industry-wide shortage of pilots. It also differentiates IndiGo from competitors like Akasa Air, which faced pilot resignations and flight cancellations in late 2024.

India’s aviation market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with domestic air travel rising to 165 million passengers in FY25 a 17% increase over pre-pandemic levels and international travel up 49% to 34 million. Responding to this surge, IndiGo has also strengthened its cabin crew roster to over 10,212 personnel.

IndiGo is leading industry efforts in gender diversity, with women constituting 16% of its pilot workforce approximately three times the global average and aiming to reach 1,000 female pilots by 2025. The commitment to inclusivity was highlighted when the airline onboarded 77 female pilots on India’s 77th Independence Day.

Financially, IndiGo posted a profit after tax of ₹7,258 crore for FY25, marking its second consecutive year of profitability, in contrast to losses reported by other carriers such as Air India and Akasa Air.
Despite a 17% decrease in the issuance of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, government data indicates there is currently no shortage of trained pilots in India, though the demand forecast is significant, with an estimated need for 21,500 pilots by 2034. IndiGo’s proactive recruitment and diversity initiatives position it well to meet the challenges of India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.

Emirates Group Launches Global Drive to Hire 17,300, Fueling Aviation's Future

Published: Friday, July 25, 2025
Emirates Group Launches Global Drive to Hire 17,300, Fueling Aviation's Future
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On 22 July 2025, Dubai, UAE, the Emirates Group launched an extensive global talent acquisition campaign aimed at recruiting 17,300 professionals during the current financial year. This hiring goal is symbolic, matching the population size of a mid-size town or the seating capacity of 58 Airbus A350 aircraft. The recruitment drive is part of the Group’s ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing its industry-leading position.

The available opportunities span across 350 different roles across Emirates and dnata, the two flagship businesses under the Group. Emirates, recognized as the world’s most profitable and largest international airline, along with dnata, a global leader in air and travel services, are looking to fill positions that include cabin crew, pilots, engineers, commercial and sales teams, customer service, ground handling, catering, IT, human resources, and finance. Notably, dnata alone seeks over 4,000 specialists in cargo, catering, and ground handling operations.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, emphasized that this ambitious recruitment is aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the Group’s growth trajectory. He expressed that the goal is to attract world-class talent capable of driving innovation, excellence, and the future transformation of the aviation industry. He views this initiative as an opportunity for skilled professionals to become integral to the Group’s ongoing success and expansion.

To reach potential candidates globally, the Emirates Group will hold over 2,100 open days and various talent acquisition events across 150 cities throughout the year. These events will provide a chance for prospective pilots, IT professionals, engineers, and cabin crew members to engage directly with recruitment teams and long-serving Emirates employees sharing their experiences. In addition to international outreach, Dubai-based events will focus on involving UAE national students and graduates, supporting national workforce development.

Since 2022, the Emirates Group has recruited more than 41,000 professionals, with nearly 27,000 in operational roles, contributing to the current workforce size of approximately 121,000 employees. The Group continues to be a magnet for talent around the world due to its strong brand reputation, people-centric policies, tax-free remuneration, comprehensive benefits, and esteemed training and career development programs.

In the past financial year alone, the Group received in excess of 3.7 million job applications, illustrating its global appeal. Candidates are drawn to Dubai not only for professional opportunities but also for the city’s safety, economic stability, advanced technological infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and vibrant lifestyle.

For those residing in Dubai and working for the Emirates Group, benefits are extensive, including eligibility for profit sharing, comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage, a wide array of travel benefits encompassing annual and service-related leave tickets, concessional rates for family and friends, discounted cargo rates, and membership privileges unlocking reductions at hundreds of retail, hospitality, and lifestyle destinations.

Candidates interested in joining the Emirates Group can explore available positions and upcoming recruitment events worldwide by visiting the Group’s official careers portal. This recruitment drive showcases the Emirates Group’s unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and maintaining its status as a global employer of choice, while welcoming talented professionals prepared to contribute to shaping the future of aviation.